May 2024 Circle for Children Newsletter

May 2024 Newsletter

To give aid and encouragement in promoting the education and welfare of at-risk children in the state of Georgia.

Dear Circle Members,

I have done a lot of reflecting with the ending of my year, and I am filled with gratitude for the journey we've shared, the milestones achieved, and the precious Gift of Time you have each given in service this year.

I'm excited to announce that at our May General Membership Meeting, we presented City of Refuge with a generous donation of $130,000! Additionally, our commitment to education and empowerment shines through the $31,000 in scholarships awarded from the Linda Gross Memorial Scholarship Fund, opening doors to bright futures for our scholars.

Stepping into the role of president wasn't without its challenges. I felt the weight of expectations, doubts about my abilities, and the desire to honor my mother's legacy. But with the unwavering support of each Circle member, we turned moments of doubt into opportunities for growth, fears into triumphs, and dreams into reality.

To my fellow women of the Circle, your encouragement, wisdom, and commitment have been invaluable. Special thanks to the 2023-2024 Executive Board and Committee Chairs for their unwavering support and inspiring creativity. I could not have made it through this year without you.

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the trust you've placed in me, for the privilege of serving alongside you, and for the countless ways in which you've enriched my life. Serving as your president has been an extraordinary journey, surpassing my wildest expectations. I'm delighted to pass the gavel to Polly Hogue, knowing she'll bring her own unique talents and passion to the role! She's going to be amazing and I know you all will support her as you supported me.

With warmest regards,

Kristin Harbison

2023-2024 President

RECENT EVENTS

We presented Edward Phillips and Katie Monson from the City of Refuge with a $130,000 donation at the Spring General Meeting. Thank you Circle Members for your generosity and all the ways you made our donation possible.

Congratulations to our new officers and Board members

for The Circle for Children 2024-2025!

PRESIDENT

Polly Hogue

CO-PRESIDENT ELECT

Susan Fulkerson and Mary Beth Wegener

VICE PRESIDENT ANNUAL EVENT

Mary Beth Wegener

VICE PRESIDENTS AUCTION

Sterling Lanken

VICE PRESIDENTS MEMBERSHIP

Emily Lemmy

RECORDING SECRETARY

Ruth Chitwood

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

Terry Clark

GENERAL TREASURER

Cindy Formica

PROJECT TREASURER

Kristin Harbison

BOARD OF DIRECTORS At Large Members

Cynthia Barr	Betts Fisher	Pat Iaffaldano
Jennie Johnson	Elaine LaMontagne	Sally Davis

Thanks to the Nominating Committee for their work in getting this exciting slate and to Danielle Houret-Lam for leading the induction ceremony at the General meeting!

SCHOLARSHIP

The Linda Gross Memorial Scholarship Fund is awarding $31,000 in scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year. On May 23 we are awarding two Tallulah Falls School Seniors with $3500 scholarships, renewable for up to 4 years based on GPA. They will join seven returning scholars attending Emory, UGA, GA Southern, KSU, and University of North GA. Our current scholars have GPAs ranging from 3.0 to 3.98, with out highest performing scholar being one of the most financially disadvantaged we have supported in recent memory. She is studying psychology with plans to attend medical school. Other areas of study our students are exploring include Communications, Anthropology, Business, Environmental Science, Exercise Science, and Mechanical Engineering. Three scholars are graduating this month with degrees in Elementary Ed, Biology, and Psychology.

Funding for this years disbursements comes from donations tagged for scholarship, event proceeds, and the scholarship investment account. Withdrawals from the investment fund are limited to sustain the account for the future. The Scholarship Committee wants to thank the Gross family and Susan Bixler for their ongoing generous donations. We also received a donation this year in memory of Fred Van Wagenen. Thank you to everyone who donated in amounts small and large; every dollar counts!

Remember when you are paying dues in August, looking to make a memorial donation, or planning your own estate, you may direct funds directly to Circle Scholarships to support current and future Circle Scholars.

MEMBERSHIP

A Sad Passing - Bill Bechtel

Our deepest condolences go out to member Martha Bechtel and her family. Martha's husband, Bill Bechtel, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, at the age of 83 in Marietta, Georgia. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and, most importantly, a man of strong faith.

Click Here to read more about Bill's Life. Please keep Martha and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

East Cobb City Lifestyle highlighted the Circle for Children and our Gift of Time Gala in it's May Women's Issue.

See page 13!

East Cobb City Lifestyle May 2024

Click Here to See Photos from 2023-2024 Year

Access the Directory online with new Password! The directory of active Circle members can now be viewed on our website.

For the privacy of all members, the directory is password protected. You can access the directory under the membership tab on the website.

Sterling Lanken - May 1

Emily Lemmy - May 8

Camilla Carroll - May 23

Caty Brennan - May 28

Linda Keogler 31-May

Betts Fisher - June 1

Carrie Kissling- June 3

Jody Kissling - June 3

Martha Bechtel - June 20

Shirley Jones - June 28

Jennifer Michaels - June 29

If your birthday (month and day) is not in the Circle directory, please email that information. We would love to acknowledge that special day.

Circle Celebration Fund

Can't think of a gift for a friend? Consider donating to the Circle Celebration Fund in their name. A lovely acknowledgment will be sent to the honoree informing them of the donation you made in their name. Please contact thecircle4children@gmail.com if you would like to donate.

Circle Correspondence

Please send any Circle Correspondence to thecircle4children@gmail.com for announcements of births, loss of loved ones, outstanding events or illnesses. Please include the individual's address so the corresponding secretary can send the appropriate correspondence. Also, indicate if the information should be posted in the newsletter.

*THERE ARE NEW INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIGNING UP FOR KROGER COMMNITY REWARDS*

Kroger Community Rewards will donate a portion of your grocery purchase total to The Circle for Children.Please sign up for a Kroger Card the next time you're grocery shopping and link it to The Circle for Children.

To link your Kroger card go to www.kroger.com and login to access "My Account". Under "Community" select "Community Awards" then click the "link card" button. Then, search for "The Circle for Children" or enter number, CX636. You can also call Kroger at 1-800-562-4438 and they will sign you up over the phone.

The Circle for Children | circle4children.org